Michael, Peter - Les Pavots Proprietary Red 2005

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The 2005 Les Pavots (3,600 cases of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot) is a sensational wine, with a style that suggests a hypothetical blend of a great St.-Emilion and Pomerol. Chocolatey cassis notes intermixed with incense, licorice, and a hint of black olive are present in this wine. When it hits the palate, it comes across as very Pomerol-like, with lushness, full body, and opulence. The tannins are sweet, the pH high, and the wine gorgeously full, pure, dense, and long. It’s a terrific example of non-interventionalist winemaking that has turned out a beautiful, silky-textured wine that should age effortlessly for 15+ years. Like so many 2005s, this wine has really put on weight since I tasted it last year."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Aging beautifully, this is smooth, rich and layered, with tannins that offer substance and traction around the core of earth- and mineral-laced dark berry, cedar, tobacco and sage. Ends a bit grippy from tannins, but won´t disappoint. Best soon. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.—2005 California Cabernet blind retrospective (September 2015). Drink now through 2020. 3,600 cases made."